My philosophy of counseling . . .

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Pursuing Hope Christian Counseling provides clinical mental health counseling within the framework of a Christ-centered practice. I believe counseling, at its core, is pursuing the hope and healing God intended for our minds. Understanding the brain God created, learning various skills, and processing experiences with others are integral parts of Christian counseling. The opportunity to combine both spiritual and evidenced-based practices is a wonderful way to come alongside and support the community in a holistic way.

 

I received the call to provide Christian counseling within the clinical mental health field when I was in college. Through prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit, I believe God has been guiding me toward working among those in my community who desire a focus on faith in their mental health treatment. I believe God intended our minds for health and connection; the chance to support others on their journey toward this healing has been such a privilege and I am so excited to see how God will be glorified through this practice. Counseling goals and objectives will be mutually agreed upon between the client and therapist. Interventions may include spiritual interventions, as well as interventions found within the framework of other modalities. I provide services utilizing techniques from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), and I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Combining spiritually focused interventions with evidenced-based practices provides a broad range of methods that allow clients to express and process experiences in their own unique way.

 

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology (Biblical Studies) in 2016 and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Seminary in 2019. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor through the state of Ohio and am a current member of the American Counseling Association. I have focused much of my continuing education in trauma-focused therapy techniques. I prioritize maintaining a broad support system and being active in my church community; remaining mindful that personal health and growth is necessary in providing a safe and nurturing environment for my clients. I commit to maintaining a consistent connection with mentors and support figures in my life who provide accountability and necessary feedback for growth.

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We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and to pursue the Hope of God through counseling is an amazing opportunity to process the pain life can bring while finding connection within the community of believers. Life can be difficult and processing these challenges within community is a way for the church of God to support and care for one another. I look forward to serving in the capacity of a Christ-focused clinical mental health counselor at North Woodbury Alliance Church.